Lakeshore Backpack Trip - 3 Options - 24 / 34 / 45 Miles - Difficult/Strenuous

Photo courtesy of Cat LP

SUMMARY
This is a tough "map markers' delight" of 2 nights / 3 days to knock out all of the Lakeshore Trail.

QUALIFICATIONS
Hikers should be comfortable backpacking over 10 miles per day with a winter load, at a 2.0-2.5 mph pace. Prior cold weather camping experience at temps below 30 degrees is highly recommended.

WAIT LIST
If you are interested in this trip, join the Wait List to hold your spot. First come-first served.

Once GSMNP reservations open (30 days out), we will match hikers and campsites. We are limited to 8 GSHAG hikers per campsite, and will use multiple campsites to accommodate as many hikers as we can.

STARTING LOCATION
Hikers will meet at the Tunnel to Nowhere parking area and shuttle down to Fontana. We are going to try and arrange a paid shuttle to Fontana.

HIKE DESCRIPTIONS
OPTION 1 : Friday-Sunday - 34 miles - Difficult

Friday [Blue profile] - We’ll start from the Fontana Dam/Lakeshore TH and hike 12 miles on the roller coaster trail to BC 88/86, near the Hazel Creek landing, where we'll camp for the night.

Saturday [Red profile] - Some of us will wait for Option 2 folks to boat shuttle over to join us at BC 86 before continuing the PUDs another 12+ miles to BC 76/98 for the night.

Sunday [Green profile ] - Hikers will repeat the PUDs as we hike to the T2NW over the final 12+ miles. We should be off trail by late afternoon. Volunteers will shuttle hikers back over to Fontana to collect their cars, if necessary.

OPTION 2 : Saturday - Sunday - 24 miles - Difficult
This is an unofficial second Option for those who would prefer to catch a boat shuttle from the Marina over to the Hazel Creek landing to join us on Saturday.

Hikers choosing this Option will need to work out their own boat shuttle arrangements and car shuttles to the Marina.

OPTION 3 : Friday-Sunday - 44 miles - Strenuous
Hikers will follow the Option 1 plan for Friday, but log a total of 14 miles to BC 81. They will hike 17 miles to BC 74 for Sat night, before finishing with a "day pack" 12 mile out-and-back on Bear Creek on Sunday, and the final 3 miles out to the cars.

TRIP COSTS
Campsites are $8 a night and a paid shuttle driver should be about $20.

Once reservations are made you pay for your campsite whether you show up or not, or if we have to cancel the trip for safety reasons.

TRANSPORTATION
Hikers are expected to arrange their own transportation to and from their respective trailheads. Hike leaders will coordinate setting up shuttles to the beginning TH.

WHAT TO BRING
In addition to your winter backpacking gear, we always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods.

LATECOMERS AND "NO-SHOWS"
If your plans change and you can’t come on the hike please remember to change your RSVP, or let us know in the Comments.

NAVIGATION AIDS
Overall Hike Map

BASE HIKES 34 Miles
Friday Hike Map Profile
Saturday Map Profile
Sunday Map Profile

ALTERNATE HIKE 45 Miles
Friday Hike Map Profile
Saturday Map Profile
Sunday Map Profile

GPS file (.gpx) download

EVENT LEADERS
Lane DeCost - "AT 2000 Miler" / SAR team volunteer / 900 Miler x4